SCADA system for real-time measuring and evaluation of river water quality

Protection of the natural water resources becomes more and more important issue. Usual way to deal with this problem is to build on-site monitoring station capable for independent measurement of water quality parameters where all the measurement equipment is installed and where all measurements are done. But, in this case a dedicated person is needed which on regular basis will collect the data from the station, in order to compare them with laboratory measurements. In this way, delay between emerging and noted data is introduced. It is here presented possible solution of this problem developing completely independent real-time measuring station using industrial SCADA system. Real-time monitoring of the water quality and quantity parameters gives on-time alert and time for reaction. This SCADA system provides continues (24/7) monitoring of the diverse physical, chemical, biological parameters enabling fast and reliable detection of the pollutants. Saved data give chance for additional (off-site) analysis of the measured parameters and their connections. System is consisted of Central Monitoring Station (located at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje), Local Monitoring Station (located near town Demir Kapija), and several mobile monitoring stations. Specially designed Local Monitoring Station has been automated with the use of industrial PLC in order to integrate the work of all diverse instruments, real-time measuring devices, analytical measuring devices and station functionality equipment. Data gathered at the Remote real-time stations is continuously sent to CMS for further analysis.